Tom Figgins Interview

Tom Figgins is destined to be one of the great British singer/songwriters. Having already released two stunning singles over last 12 months, he has just unveiled his best yet...

Tell us about the story behind Giants Played In Woods Like These...

Giants is about reflection. A feeling that time is passing by and it's always changing and we're inevitably moving forward and watching it pass.

What made you select it as your latest single?

I loved the vibe of the track from the off. When I started writing it I had an incredibly strong feeling towards it, I knew it was going to be a song that I wanted to release quite quickly because the message felt strong to me at the time.

It follows on from Let Your Roots Grow and Rain on Me, what defines a strong single?

I'm not sure what defines a strong single but for me with both it was never a decision between others. They felt like the singles that I needed to put out.

It is accompanied by a stunning video. Tell us how it came together...

I'm so pleased with the video, a friend of mine introduced me to the director Niall and everything seemed to click really quickly. We had a few issues early on and originally had a totally different idea for it but struggled with the filming due to timings and casting. Until eventually we decided to change the idea and I'm so pleased we did! Niall has some incredible ideas and we're already discussing future projects. It's very exciting!


You have spent the summer on the festival circuit, can we expect a tour any time soon?

I've just returned from a tour of the highlands starting at Loopallu festival in Ullapool. Hopefully I'll be doing a UK tour at the beginning of next year. I can't wait to get back on the road again. We met some incredible people and saw some amazing places and I'm very excited to share some music that some people won't have heard!

Live shows must be a great way to garner feedback for new material. Is there an album on the way?

No album yet I'm afraid. I've got some ideas for collections of material but not in the shape of an album. We'll see! I'll keep you posted...

What song do you find goes down best with your audience?

Giants has gone down really well on tour and at shows in London. With people having seen the video I think people were excited to hear how it would translate live, especially with the middle section as I don't have an orchestra that I take round with me... It's been really exciting recreating that section. Mother is also a favourite.

How has public response altered your material?

I don't think it has. I think I've just been on a journey to where my music wanted to be. But you have to do that journey for it to make sense when you appear at the other end... I know how I want to create my music now, which is a really exciting place to be in, because now it's about exploring and creating.

How much attention do you pay to the critics?

Everybody has been really nice so far and at this stage of my career you have to pay attention to how things are being perceived by people. I think it's helpful to be savvy about these things. Although if someone really didn't get it I wouldn't change what I'm doing at all in any way... They just didn't get it...

What has been the best and worst feedback you have received to date?

I think the best feedback is always changing. It's always when someone sees a show, enjoys it and becomes connected and comes to another show. That for me is the best. Worst... I can't think of the worst feedback because there hasn't been much... I think if anything does come along you just have to move on and forget about it, it's only going to damage you creatively. It's noise...

If you could achieve one thing by the close of 2015, what would it be?

2015 has been a pretty wild year. Playing to 35,000 people before Take That at CarFest was unbelievable. The tour I've just done has been amazing! Plays on BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music have been incredible. I can't even begin to imagine what would top that. Maybe a really cool support tour?! We'll see...